Research Associate

The Division of Geriatrics is seeking a full-time Spanish-speaking Research Associate/Project Coordinator to work with two to three Principal Investigators/Program Directors on research studies and educational initiatives aimed at improving care and policy for older adults. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects that address critical needs within geriatric care and underserved populations while advancing innovations in geriatrics education.

One of the key projects is the HEARD (Hospice & End-of-life Care for People Impacted by Alzheimer's and Related Dementias) Study, which is supported by an NIA R01 research grant. This study focuses on developing evidence-based policy and ethics recommendations to improve hospice care for older adults affected by Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), particularly those from NIH-designated populations experiencing health disparities. Reporting to the Project Director, the Research Associate will engage in all stages of the research process, including refining recruitment and data collection materials, recruiting study participants, conducting interviews with bereaved caregivers and hospice staff, and performing site visits and observations at hospice organizations. The role also involves representing UCSF and the research team in community outreach and engagement efforts, supporting collaboration with the Community Advisory Board (CAB), tracking outreach and participant engagement, organizing and maintaining study data and resources, preparing interview data for analysis and conducting initial coding, and assisting with operational and administrative tasks to ensure the success of the project.

The Research Associate/Project Coordinator will also support educational projects led by the Principal Investigator that focus on creating innovative geriatrics education materials. These projects aim to advance dementia screening, diagnosis, and care planning in underserved populations, as well as to investigate factors influencing the quality of dementia care. This work will include developing concepts and plans for video projects, coordinating video production activities such as scheduling and organizing video shoots, editing and finalizing video content to ensure accessibility, and engaging stakeholders through interviews and testimonials. The Program Coordinator will further support the strategic distribution of video content across various platforms, evaluate the effectiveness of the materials by monitoring engagement and gathering feedback, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure diverse perspectives are represented. This role requires documenting and reporting outcomes and ensuring ethical and privacy compliance by adhering to HIPAA guidelines and privacy regulations. Additionally, the Research Associate/Project Coordinator will assist with projects related to maintaining data integrity by supporting quality checks to ensure accuracy and completeness in database entries. This includes identifying and correcting errors, fulfilling quality improvement tasks, and collaborating with other team members to enhance existing data protocols as needed.

In addition to these projects, the Research Associate may provide support to investigators and initiatives affiliated with UCSF's Pepper Center Vulnerable Aging Research Core (VARC). This support may involve assisting with Pepper Scholar projects under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator, offering consultations and trainings to faculty, trainees, and staff, and sharing resources such as documentation of best practices and example materials with VARC and its associated scholars.

The ideal candidate for this position will have prior experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research with older adults and clinicians, along with a background in geriatrics/gerontology, hospice, palliative care, serious illness, health policy, home health, and/or grief. A successful candidate will be highly collaborative, mission-driven, highly organized, and capable of managing multiple deadlines and competing tasks effectively. Because this position involves working with vulnerable participants and sensitive data, discretion and confidentiality are essential. Given that the HEARD Study will recruit individuals who identify with NIH-designated populations experiencing health disparities (NIH-designated populations), candidates who identify with one of these populations and are fluent in Spanish are required. Additionally, travel may be required for fieldwork related to the HEARD Study.

Note: This is a limited position ending on August 31, 2026.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Certain terms and conditions of employment for this position, including the rate of pay, benefits, etc are currently subject to negotiation with the appropriate union.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $62,500 - $93,800 (Annual Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:

Department Description

The Division of Geriatrics at UCSF is dedicated to improving the health, dignity, and independence of older people through education, patient care, research, and community engagement. We train healthcare professionals at all levels, from students to seasoned clinicians, using innovative curricula and teaching in multiple settings such as classrooms, clinics, hospitals, and homes. Our person-centered approach to healthcare prioritizes dignity, choice, and independence, meeting older people wherever they need us – in hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, skilled nursing facilities or their homes. Grounded in a deep respect for older people, our work aims to enhance their health, well-being, and quality of life across the spectrum of aging experiences. As specialists in aging, we are committed to transforming healthcare locally and nationally while fostering meaningful connections with the communities we serve. Our work spans UCSF campuses, including Parnassus, San Francisco VA Health Care System, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Mission Bay, and UCSF Center for Geriatric Care, supported by a multidisciplinary team of over 130 faculty, staff, fellows, interns, and volunteers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience / training.
• Minimum 1+ year of directly relevant experience.
• Identifies with one of NIH's designated populations experiencing health disparities )and is fluent in Spanish.
• Working knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs.
• Proficient in communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Proficient in ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
• Demonstrates ability to use sound judgment in responding to issues and concerns.
• Demonstrates ability to analyze, research, and synthesize large amounts of information with strong attention to detail.
• Proficient in ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.
• Working knowledge of applicable policy analysis techniques.
• Excellent word processing and spreadsheet skills
• Experience and proficiency in policy research methods.
• Working knowledge and experience with policy research activities, such as outreach, recruitment, interviews, observations, and examination and summary of qualitative or quantitative evidence relevant to policy projects.
• Training or experience in social sciences field (e.g., public health, sociology, anthropology, health policy).
• Ability to interface with and work well in a culturally sensitive manner with diverse communities in the context of community-based research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a health care or social scientific field (e.g., MPH, MS, MA)
• Personal, academic, or professional experience with geriatrics/gerontology, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, or grief.
• Experience working in or conducting research within a healthcare setting or experience and familiarity with healthcare or health policy.
• Experience working in community-engaged research or at a community-based organization
• Experience with policy research analysis methods and tools, including software programs.
• Experience in academic writing, including experiencing in drafting and editing manuscripts, white papers, research reports and grant proposals.
• Experience in program evaluation and improvement.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Organization

Campus

Job Code and Payroll Title

007397 PROJECT POLICY ANL 2

Job Category

Research and Scientific

Bargaining Unit

99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)

Employee Class

Limited Appt

Percentage

100%

Appointment End Date

31-Aug-2026

Location

San Francisco, CA

Campus

Mission Bay (SF)

Work Style

Fully On-Site

Shift

Days

Shift Length

8 Hours

Additional Shift Details

Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM